Landlord 'humbled' to win pub of the year

The landlord of the 'last traditional pub' in a Weymouth community says it is 'incredible' to be named the Dorset Echo's Pub of the Year - just 16 months after taking over.

The Wyke Smugglers on Portland Road, Wyke Regis is this year's best pub, as voted by our readers.

Keith Treggiden became the landlord of the Wyke Smugglers 16 months ago. The pub underwent a refurbishment shortly after he took over.

The Wyke Smugglers (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Read more: Traditional pub reopens with new look

Keith says he is proud of how far the pub has come since he took over and it re-opened.

He said: "It was quite a bare shell when we took it over. We have given this pub a new lease on life and we have not done it half-heartedly.

"We have only been here 16 months and we have people coming back that haven't visited the Smugglers for years. It is a beautiful pub, it really is.

"We do everything we can for the community. Making it a pub for everyone of all ages and genders to come and feel safe, and we think we have succeeded quite well."

Keith Treggiden took over the pub 16 months ago (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Since the refurbishment - which added a sizeable beer garden in place of parking spaces - the pub has featured regular entertainment at the weekend including live bands and karaoke.

Additionally the Smugglers now also shows sports including Sky and TNT, which has given the pub a 'sports following'. There are also five darts boards, a pool table, and regular food promotions throughout the week.

The menu itself includes traditional pub foods but also has items with wider appeal, such as homemade pizzas, and sharing platters.

Customers enjoying a pub in the beer garden (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The pub also has a large function room that can hold 160 people.

The Wyke Smugglers has a long history and was once known as the Wyke Hotel. Nowadays Keith says it is the last traditional pub in Wyke Regis.

Keith, who was previously general manager of three venues in the town centre, added: "We wanted to make the pub for the heart of the community.

"People like a good traditional pub so we wanted to make sure that it stood on its own merits and everyone felt welcome.

"We pride ourselves on our atmosphere, you come in as a customer and you leave as a friend."

The pool table (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The indoors (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The pub recently hosted Wyke Fest, featuring live music, food and drink.

"The staff are the biggest credit. The team always strive to put smiles on people's faces," added Keith.

"We want to thank everyone who took the effort to vote for us and the people who put us on the shortlist. We are very humbled by what people have done for us. It is incredible to win."